Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Embraces Family In Heartwarming Reunion After 18 Days In Space — SEE PICS

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla safely returned to Earth after an 18-day mission on the ISS, conducting microgravity experiments.

Shubhanshu Shukla reunites with his family after returning from space.

Source : Twitter.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reunited with his family on Wednesday after concluding a 22.5-hour return journey from the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday. Launched on June 25 aboard SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket, the crew had docked with the ISS on June 26. Over an 18-day stay in orbit, Shukla completed more than 310 orbits and covered approximately 13 million kilometres.

Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla reunites with his family after returning from space ❤️🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/yfENxJr7ed

— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) July 16, 2025

Pictures shared by ISRO Spaceflight showed Shukla hugging his wife and his son after returning from space. Shukla, while aboard the ISS, carried out microgravity experiments focused on muscle regeneration, algal and microbial growth, crop viability, microbial survivability, cognitive function in space, and the behaviour of cyanobacteria.

Speaking to news agency PTI earlier, his wife, Kamna, said, “Now that Shubhanshu has safely returned, our immediate focus will be on his rehabilitation and ensuring he smoothly readjusts to life on earth. For us, simply being reunited after this incredible journey is a celebration in itself.”

She has been in the United States since Shukla began preparing for his SpaceX launch from Florida on June 25.

Union Cabinet passes resolution to hail Shubhanshu Shukla's space odyssey

The Union Cabinet passed a resolution to congratulate Shubhanshu Shukla for the successful completion of his historic 18-day mission and asserted that it heralded a new chapter in India's space programme.The Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adopted the resolution that termed Shukla's space journey as a moment of pride, glory, and joy for the entire nation and one that represented infinite aspirations of India.

"The Cabinet joins the nation in celebrating the return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Earth, following the successful completion of his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station," Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at a cabinet briefing as he read out the resolution.

(With inputs from PTI.)